Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

Historical Events in 1558

  • Jan 7 Calais, last English possession in France, retaken by France
  • Jan 8 French troops under Duc de Guise occupy Calais
  • Jan 9 Geneva becomes independent from Berne canton, Switzerland
  • Jan 11 Westmunster Church in Middelburg destroyed by heavy storm
  • Mar 5 Smoking tobacco introduced into Europe by Spanish physician Francisco Fernandes

Stroganov Family Heads East

Apr 4 Tsar Ivan IV gives the patent to colonize "the abundant region along the Kama River" of North-Russia to the fur trading Stroganov merchant family

  • May 3 Ferdinand I officially appointed Holy Roman Emperor after his brother Charles abdicated in 1556
  • Jul 13 Battle of Gravelines: In France, Spanish forces led by Count Lamoral of Egmont defeat the French forces of Marshal Paul des Thermes at Gravelines
  • Jul 23 Battle of Grevelingen: Lamoraal, Count of Egmont beat France
  • Aug 4 1st printing of Zohar in Spain - popularizes Jewish study of Kabbalah
  • Oct 9 Mérida is founded in Venezuela

French Occupy Calais

Nov 7 French King Henry II occupies Calais

Elizabeth I

Nov 17 Elizabeth I aged 25, ascends the English throne upon death of her half sister, Queen "Bloody" Mary

  • Nov 17 The independence of the Church of England is re-established upon ascension of Elizabeth I to the throne

Charles V Buried

Dec 29 Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, buried in El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain